You’ve said that alpha lipoic acid may cause problems with thyroid function. Should it be avoided? It appears to help with my blood sugar, but maybe it isn’t worth the risk.

Dr. Brownstein’s Answer:

I use a lot of alpha lipoic acid to aid in detoxification of mercury and other heavy metals. Furthermore, it is an important antioxidant that helps keep other antioxidants in their reduced state.

In more than 17 years of using lipoic acid, I have found three patients who experienced inhibited thyroid function. I have found one study reporting a decreased conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into active thyroid hormone (T3).

However, if you begin taking alpha lipoic acid, you should have your thyroid levels checked after a few months of therapy. If there is no problem with thyroid conversion, there is no further need to check for problems with alpha lipoic acid.